When we started this site, coming up to 4 years ago now, we began with a plea and a clear example of why those of us who can recognise Mid-Century Modernist architecture and interiors for their timeless beauty need to stand up for it. Never mind the fact that Modernist housing possesses a clear directive for living functionally and well. Never mind that this architecture paved the way for certain design aspects which even AV Jennings and Delfin take as a given now – open plan anyone? Never mind these homes, most built over 40+ years ago, promote a purely Australian lifestyle and a sustainability aspect which ‘contemporary’ retrograde housing doesn’t even comprehend – solar passive design? Indoor/outdoor seamlessness?
In our time we have seen some improvements. We have seen a growing trend of Modernist homebuyers and appreciators. We have seen many more home listed in real estate blurbs as ‘Modernist’ or ‘inspired by Seidler/Boyd’.
But the case of Ahern Rd, Pakenham once again re-iterates that the job is far from done.
Behold this particular home – according to locals it’s a stand out in it’s area. Designed by premier Melbourne architect Neil Clerehan for the local chemist (he also did one other of the local doctor), it’s the perfect example of clear Mid-Century vision and provenance, with craftsmanship non-existent in housing today.
Now – let’s see it’s fate (sadly it seems done and dusted and the home though still standing, is not long for this world).This house is to be replaced by a line of faux-colonial cottages.
Because we all want to live in homes based on ill-conceived 200-year-old English row houses, with no natural light and no ventilation don’t we? Because we all much prefer a streetscape of quickly knocked up, non-site specific ugliliness don’t we? Because obviously the most important aspect of an entire home is the quality light fittings (let me guess – made in China?)
This is all the proof we need to know that our job here at MA (and yours out there in the real world) is far from done. It spurs us into action when see yet another blatant example of our Australian Mid-Century built heritage being replaced with such vile signifiers of avarice.
We vow to continue to fight to good fight in 2012 and hope you are all with us on this front. Do not let up.
Do not give in.
Tags: Neil Clerehan
I met Neil once, as he lived across the road from a previous employer of mine in South Yarra. A wonderful man and extremely talented architect. It’s a real shame that this one won’t be lived in and loved again. Goodluck to the conservative cottage dwellers! Keep up the good fight MA!